Emiratis have always been proud of the role that expatriates play in our young and still developing society. Even before the federation was founded in 1971, expatriates from both East and West who called this region home were, and continue to be, welcomed by a grateful community eager to learn and share knowledge. Read more »
UAE
Expectations Haven’t Advanced With UAE Women
This occasion also allowed me to recall the very first article I wrote, The pen, the book and a boss in an abaya, which tackled the rise of women in the UAE and the Gulf. Two years on, that phenomenon is becoming stronger and is widespread across the country. Read more »
The heart of the UAE, captured by one photo
In an instant, through that iconic photo, Sheikh Mohammed channelled Sheikh Zayed’s lasting image and personality into the heart of every Emirati. Read more »
Nothing should be ambiguous about what’s indecent
‘Sexpats in trouble again in Dubai” is how one web portal summarised a recent allegation of explicit text messaging. There was also the incident of public kissing involving a British couple in Jumeirah Beach Residences earlier this month. Such cases demonstrate the ambiguity of decency laws in the UAE. Read more »
We must believe in our unified identity, or no one else will
There is a risk that as more people abroad see the various emirates as separate states, this mentality will seep into the culture of this mostly expat nation. Unless Emiratis take this matter seriously, no one else will, Vision2021 or not. Read more »
Breathing Life into Bastakiya and the History of Dubai
Tucked away in the southern shore of Dubai Creek lies Bastakiya, one of the most fascinating districts in the Arabian Gulf. Not only is this area one of the most aesthetically pleasing in the region, it is also one of the most symbolic. Read more »